School's out for Pickering secretary

Students, teachers sad to see Pat Rogers go

Retiring secretary

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland

PICKERING -- Pat Rogers is retiring from Rosebank Road Public School, after being a secretary there since 1987. She waved goodbye to the students during a celebration that was held to recognize her contribution to the school. October 30, 2012

Retiring secretary

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland

PICKERING -- Pat Rogers is retiring from Rosebank Road Public School, after being a secretary there since 1987. A celebration was held to recognize her contribution to the school. October 30, 2012

School's out for Pickering secretary

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland

PICKERING -- Pat Rogers is retiring from Rosebank Road Public School, after being a secretary there since 1987. A celebration was held to recognize her contribution to the school. October 30, 2012

PICKERING -- Pat Rogers was more than a secretary to the children at Rosebank Road Public School, she was a friend.

"I think she's one of the best secretaries in the world and she's the glue that holds our school together," said Grade 7 student Adam Willis.

After 27 years of soothing countless injuries, calling numerous parents when children were sick and making students smile, Ms. Rogers has officially retired.

"It's not easy to leave a place you've enjoyed so much," she said between tears before attending a special assembly where teachers and students celebrated her contribution to the Pickering school.

It's not easy to leave a place you've enjoyed so m

Ms. Rogers started her career in 1964 when she worked as a secretary in Toronto schools and eventually Claremont Public School before landing her position at Rosebank in 1987. She was only the second secretary the school has had since it opened in the 1950s.

"All I could think of was the big shoes I had to fill because she was so wonderful," she said of her predecessor.

But the small school, which currently has about 150 students, ended up being everything she had hoped for.

"It's my second family, my second home," she said.

Each student participated in an assembly for Ms. Rogers on Oct. 30. From receiving giant cards of thanks, to listening to poems and musical performances, she was moved by the students and teachers.

"I love my work now as much as I did back then and I'm so sad to leave," was about all the emotional Ms. Rogers could say before a teacher stepped in to read the speech she had prepared.

The students had nothing but praise for her.

"She's really kind," said Grade 7 student Justin Tsoulis. "She always comes to school with a smile on her face."

It wasn't difficult for Ms. Rogers to be this way.

"The community is so wonderful so it's easy to be nice back," she said.

Principal Joan Schlotzhauer just started at Rosebank in September, but after her short time working with Ms. Rogers, she said with confidence, "She's outstanding."

Ms. Rogers and her husband both retired on Oct. 31 and will move to Niagara-on-the-Lake. She looks forward to travelling, reading and making her new home cozy. While she wishes she lived close enough to volunteer at the school, she knows she'll be back to visit.